6 measures under emergency decree published in Royal Gazette

BANGKOK, 24 January 2014 Following the imposition of the emergency decree, the government’s six security measures to deal with the country’s turmoil have been published in the Royal Gazette.

The measures included a ban on public gatherings of five people or more, the restriction of public access to roads and buildings as specified by the government, immediate evacuations from premises as instructed by security forces and the possibility of imposing curfews.

The announcement also called for newspapers and other media to avoid presenting news which could raise public fears or distorting information that could affect national security.

The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), headed by Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, will be in charge of enforcing the measures under the decree. The measures took effect on Thursday.

The government has so far invoked Section 9 and 11 of the decree.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry earlier affirmed that there would no use of force to disband protesters and security measures will be in accordance with international practices.